Sunday, May 08, 2005

DALLAS - The Rockets heard the rumble and felt the ground shake, until they looked up to see what was heading their way like roadkill does when it is too late to do anything but know it's over.

The Mavericks hit the Rockets faster and harder than they had in any game of the series until the Rockets were splattered in their path. As if overwhelmed by the realization that only the season's end was awaiting them, the Rockets finally cracked.

The Mavericks pounded the Rockets from start to finish, rolling to a 116-76 rout — the worst Rockets playoff loss, Mavericks' biggest playoff rout and most lopsided rout in a Game 7.

"I'm disgusted," Rockets guard Tracy McGrady said. "I'm real mad. I'm angry. All that stuff. At the same time, I won't hang my head. I will be back next year. I will be back. This is all going to make me tougher. I never will fold. I'll be back. My team will be back and we will come back stronger and better." ROCKETS Q&A Chronicle writer Jonathan Feigen takes your questions about the Rockets. Send your questions here.